John Healy is a British writer and former tournament chess player. He was born in London in 1943 to Irish immigrant parents in London's Kentish Town. Leaving school at the age of 14, he spent his formative years in the army, where he had a successful boxing career. Having been dishonourably discharged for drunkenness and going absent without leave, Healy started on a downward spiral that brought him into the subculture of London's homeless street drinkers. He spent fifteen years as a homeless alcoholic and was convicted of many petty crimes during this time. 

January 1st, 1943 in Kentish Town (Age 81)